bout de papier, Vol. 2, No. 2 (1984) — June 1984 // Juin 1984, p. 5
Why does the annual appraisal exercise strike such apprehension and fear in the hearts of FSO’s? A circular memo was recently distributed reminding FSO’s that appraisals are due by August 1, 1984. Why does reading this memo trigger a flashback of the year’s efforts to demonstrate your excellent abilities to your supervisors?
Are the contents of those reams of green legal size papers really so important?
Frankly, you need not worry so much about the things your supervisor writes on those green sheets. Those words could even be the source of great amusement in years to come. Take Lester B. Pearson for example, his supervisor O.D. Skelton had this to say about him in 1928.
“My only criticism of him … is that there is something curiously loose-jointed and sloppy about his mental make-up which, as a matter of fact, is reflected in some measure in his physical bearing.”
Pearson of course went on to become Under Secretary, Minister and Prime Minister. So thumb your nose at your rater, only you know what your real capabilities are and you may yet have the last laugh.
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Originally published in bout de papier, Vol. 2, No. 2 (1984) — June 1984 // Juin 1984, p. 5. Read the rest of this issue →
